Natalie
Assistant Project Planner
How long have you worked at AWE?
9 months
What is your role?
I am a trainee Assistant Planner, which involves working with planners and senior planner on a variety of projects.
Why did you choose AWE?
I have always lived locally and know people who work here and have had exciting careers. When I decided to pursue a different career path, I knew AWE would give me great training and plenty of opportunities to grow.
Tell us about your time at AWE?
Although I haven’t been at AWE long, I have had the opportunities to get involved with a lot of different projects. When I started, my focus was information gathering, research and training with my line manager. For my first placement I worked with the Master Planner which was very exciting as I got to learn so much about the overall business and how everything pieces together. I have been able to sit in on account reviews, send reports to account leads and learn how Primavera is used. I am now in my second placement where I have been learning about strategic planning, this has been so interesting and really taught me some key points to remember when planning a project. I am learning something new everyday and I really enjoy it!
What are the benefits of AWE?
There are a lot of benefits working at AWE. For me, the main benefits are the training opportunities and the location as well as practical benefits such as the pension scheme and life/health insurance that we can choose through our flexible benefit scheme.
What do you most enjoy about your current role?
I am enjoying the new challenge and how much I’m learning. I originally trained in beauty so the change in career was very different. I enjoy how involved I am made to feel and every Planner I have worked with is very keen to help with my development.
How do you see your career progressing?
I am keen to become a project planner and then in the future become a senior planner. I have travelled a lot with work in the past and I now enjoy working close to home but also having a job I feel I can progress in and gain more job satisfaction from.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining the AWE?
If you’re keen to learn and progress in your career, then AWE is a great place to be. Sometimes you need to be patient as it can take a while to get clearance or things don’t happen quickly in a placement but if you want to develop your career then you will always get the support you need. Planning is such an interesting occupation and everyday will bring you something new.
